Top Michelin-Star Restaurants in the U.S. for Wine Lovers
- EH
- 4 days ago
- 20 min read

If you love fine dining and exceptional wine, these Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S. offer the perfect combination of exquisite cuisine and expertly curated wine lists. From Napa Valley’s iconic vineyards to New York City’s urban elegance, these dining destinations are a haven for wine enthusiasts. Here’s a quick look at the highlights:
Auro at Four Seasons Napa Valley: Features a 450-label wine list with rare Napa vintages.
Eleven Madison Park (NYC): Boasts a 2,400-bottle collection with award-winning by-the-glass options.
The French Laundry (Yountville, CA): Renowned for its legendary cellar and personalized pairings.
SingleThread (Healdsburg, CA): Farm-to-table dining paired with small-production wines.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Tarrytown, NY): Focuses on local, sustainable wine selections.
Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford, CA): Offers breathtaking views and a 15,000-bottle cellar.
Kenzo (Napa, CA): Pairs Japanese kaiseki cuisine with estate wines.
La Toque (Napa, CA): Features over 2,300 wine selections with award-winning pairings.
Harbor House (Elk, CA): Highlights coastal-inspired wines and sustainable practices.
Providence (Los Angeles, CA): A benchmark for sustainable Pacific coast cuisine with a 2500+ bottle wine list.
Quick Comparison
Restaurant | Location | Michelin Rating | Wine Program Highlights |
Auro | Calistoga, CA | 1 Star | 450-label list with rare Napa wines. |
New York, NY | 3 Stars | 2,400-bottle collection, award-winning glass list. | |
Yountville, CA | 3 Stars | Legendary cellar with personalized pairings. | |
Healdsburg, CA | 3 Stars | Farm-to-glass focus with small-production wines. | |
Blue Hill at Stone Barns | Tarrytown, NY | 2 Stars | Local, sustainable wine selections. |
Rutherford, CA | 1 Star | 15,000-bottle cellar with Napa focus. | |
Napa, CA | 1 Star | Kaiseki paired with estate wines. | |
Napa, CA | 1 Star | 2,300+ selections with award-winning pairings. | |
Elk, CA | 2 Stars | Coastal-inspired, sustainable wine program. | |
Los Angeles, CA | 3 Stars | 2,500+ bottle cellar with Burgundy focus |
These restaurants combine exceptional food, expert wine programs, and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore, these destinations offer unforgettable pairings and moments.
How We Selected These Wine-Focused Restaurants
Choosing the best Michelin-starred restaurants for wine enthusiasts required a detailed approach that went beyond standard restaurant reviews. While Michelin inspectors focus exclusively on food quality and service consistency when awarding stars - and do not officially assess beverages - the Michelin Guide does highlight exceptional wine programs with a grape symbol. Here’s a closer look at the four key factors that helped us identify these standout establishments.
Michelin Star Quality as the Baseline
Every restaurant on this list holds at least one Michelin star, ensuring their culinary foundation is nothing short of extraordinary. This guarantees an exceptional dining experience where both food and wine are elevated to the highest level.
Sommelier Expertise and Vision
A restaurant’s sommelier team played a pivotal role in our evaluation. Skilled sommeliers craft wine lists that not only cater to a variety of tastes but also perfectly complement the restaurant’s cuisine. Their expertise ensures guests receive thoughtful, personalized pairing suggestions.
Jhonel Faelnar, beverage director at NA:EUN Hospitality, offers insight into the complexity of building a world-class wine program:
"Creating a wine program isn't just about buying bottles - it's about balancing budget, space, and concept. At Attaboy, I built on its natural wine roots, while Atomix was a blank slate where I maximized investment from day one. Naro, being larger, needed a broader selection, blending accessibility with high-end offerings. Each restaurant has its own identity, and ultimately, the sommelier on the floor shapes what guests drink."
Impressive Wine Cellars and Thoughtful Curation
The depth, variety, and overall quality of a restaurant’s wine collection were crucial factors. The most impressive wine programs feature a diverse mix of bottles from both iconic and emerging wine regions. Many of these establishments work closely with boutique wineries, offering rare vintages that set their cellars apart. A strong emphasis is often placed on Bordeaux and Burgundy collections, alongside innovative selections that showcase up-and-coming wine regions.
Pairing Menus and Service Excellence
The availability of carefully curated pairing menus was another key consideration. Restaurants that provide dynamic pairing options, including half-pairings for those who prefer lighter alcohol consumption, stood out. These pairings are designed to seamlessly enhance the flavors of the dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Wine pairings at Michelin-starred restaurants generally cost between $50 and $200 per person. This reflects not only the quality of the wines but also the expertise involved in creating these perfect pairings.
1. Auro at Four Seasons Napa Valley

Nestled in the heart of Calistoga, Auro stands out as the town's only Michelin-starred restaurant. This culinary gem combines exceptional cuisine with a wine program that highlights some of California's most prestigious labels. Together, they create a dining experience that is both locally rooted and globally recognized.
Michelin Star Rating
Auro earned its first Michelin star in 2023 and proudly retained it in 2024. At the helm of this achievement is Chef Rogelio Garcia, whose approach to contemporary American cuisine is anything but ordinary. Drawing inspiration from French, Mexican, and Japanese traditions, he crafts a hyper-seasonal, seven-course tasting menu that tells a story with every bite.
"This recognition is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our entire team. We strive to offer our guests an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich bounty of Napa Valley, and this award motivates us to keep pushing boundaries. For me, cooking is storytelling. This menu begins in the fields and farms of Northern California, capturing the joy of ingredient sourcing, the excitement of a new season, and the connections with our ranchers, farmers, and fishermen", Chef Garcia shares.
Paired with its celebrated cuisine is a wine program that is as thoughtfully curated as the menu itself.
Depth and Diversity of the Wine List
Auro’s wine collection is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, featuring 450 labels housed in a 2,000-bottle cellar. This meticulously curated selection has earned Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. The program emphasizes rare and exclusive allocations, offering bottles that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Balancing iconic Napa producers with lesser-known gems, the collection shines a spotlight on the Calistoga region's unique offerings.
Sommelier Expertise and Credentials
Guiding Auro’s wine program is Derek Stevenson, the restaurant's Lead Sommelier. Stevenson achieved his Certified Sommelier designation from the Court of Master Sommeliers at just 23 years old and is currently working toward the prestigious Diploma-level certification with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). His expertise is backed by an impressive track record, including his role in helping Chicago's Ever Restaurant secure two Michelin stars in just four months. Stevenson’s approach focuses on celebrating California wines, particularly those from Calistoga, while honoring the region’s diverse terroir and local winemakers.
"My philosophy is bringing wine to everyone. And I love storytelling. I think that a big part of the enjoyment of wine is the story that's told around it", Stevenson explains.
Wine-Pairing Options and Special Events
Auro takes its wine pairings to the next level, offering experiences that perfectly complement Chef Garcia’s innovative dishes. One highlight is the monthly Wednesday Wine Dinner Series, held from June through October. These events feature a seven-course prix fixe menu paired with rare, cellar-exclusive wines. For Stevenson, these dinners are a chance to showcase bottles that rarely see the light of day.
"These dinners give us the opportunity to explore the nuance and personality of individual vineyards. We're pouring wines that rarely leave the cellar, with depth, complexity and origin, paired with cuisine that brings them to life", Stevenson notes.
The restaurant also accommodates a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian options, with advance notice.
2. Eleven Madison Park, New York City

In Manhattan's Flatiron District, Eleven Madison Park is a celebrated fine-dining destination that has redefined luxury with its plant-based menu and an extraordinary wine program. The restaurant seamlessly blends inventive cuisine with a wine selection that matches its culinary reputation.
Michelin Star Rating
Eleven Madison Park has proudly held three Michelin stars since 2012 and earned the title of the world's best restaurant in 2017, according to The World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Chef Daniel Humm leads the charge with a bold plant-based menu that exemplifies precision and creativity. The Michelin Guide raves about dishes like "the freshly baked, delicately crisped vegan roll presented with faux butter" and "a quenelle of tonburi, mimicking caviar, plated with horseradish cream and a radish tostada with pumpkin seed butter".
"Chef Daniel Humm presides over this temple of modern elegance with a zealous dedication to masterful precision", notes the Michelin Guide.
The restaurant's excellence extends beyond food, with its wine program setting equally high standards.
Depth and Diversity of the Wine List
By 2010, Eleven Madison Park's wine list had grown from a modest 300 selections to an impressive 2,400 bottles, showcasing a dedication to representing diverse winemaking traditions and terroirs. This extensive collection highlights winemakers who stay true to their regions' heritage, creating wines that tell a story. The restaurant's commitment to wine has earned it the Gold Star for the Best By the Glass List in New York for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Wine Director Gabriel Di Bella reflects on the program's legacy, saying, "The list has been shaped for almost 25 years by outstanding and caring wine directors and sommeliers who've made [our] list one of the best offerings in this country". Wine writer and Star Wine List's New York Ambassador Wanda Mann adds, "This globetrotting by-the-glass wine list beautifully showcases a mosaic of styles, varietals, and regions... With myriad selections, this elegant and exciting list encourages wine lovers to explore beyond their comfort zone and make exciting discoveries".
Sommelier Expertise and Credentials
The sommelier team at Eleven Madison Park is led by Wine Director Adam Waddell and features some of the industry's top talent, including Master Sommelier Mark Guillaudeu and rising star Nick Walters. Guillaudeu, named one of Food & Wine Magazine's "Best New Sommeliers" in 2019, won the "Best Sommelier USA" title in June 2022. He gained international recognition in 2023 by becoming the first American to reach the semi-finals at the Concours Mondiale in Paris and later earned his Master Sommelier's Diploma.
Nick Walters, another standout on the team, was named the Best Young Sommelier in the Northeast Region by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in 2024 and placed 3rd in the National Final. Together, the team brings expertise across a wide range of wine regions, from Austria and Burgundy to Barolo, Napa Valley, and New Zealand.
"Wine is not only made of grapes. Each bottle is filled with the history, the culture, and the love of the people who produced it", shares Gabriel Di Bella.
Their expertise enhances the dining experience, particularly through curated events and pairings.
Wine-Pairing Options and Special Events
The sommelier team thoughtfully designs wine pairings to complement the plant-based menu, offering guests a chance to discover new and exciting wines. These pairings, alongside special events, create memorable experiences that further elevate Eleven Madison Park's reputation as a destination for both food and wine enthusiasts.
3. The French Laundry, Yountville

The French Laundry is a legendary fine dining destination set in a charming stone cottage with a history as rich as its menu. Once a saloon and later a French laundry, this historic building now serves as the perfect backdrop for a dining experience that blends culinary artistry with an exceptional wine program.
Michelin Star Rating
Since 2007, The French Laundry has proudly held its three-Michelin-star status - a testament to its world-class cuisine that’s worth the trip. Under the guidance of Chef Thomas Keller, who took ownership in 1994, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of American fine dining. Keller’s achievements include being the only American-born chef to oversee two three-star Michelin restaurants. The restaurant's reputation continues to soar, earning accolades like California's "best cult-favorite restaurant" from LoveFood.com in June 2025. It has also received the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 2007 and the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Restaurant Award".
A Wine List of Exceptional Depth
The French Laundry’s wine selection is nothing short of extraordinary. With offerings from iconic wine regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, and Napa Valley, the program showcases some of the finest bottles in the world. Highlights include sought-after labels such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Château Pétrus, and Screaming Eagle. For those bringing their own wine, the restaurant charges a $200 corkage fee per 750ml bottle, limited to one bottle for every two guests . Champagne lovers will also be delighted by one of the country’s most impressive Champagne collections.
Sommelier Expertise and Tailored Pairings
What truly sets The French Laundry apart is its approach to wine pairings. Instead of offering a fixed pairing menu, the restaurant invites guests to collaborate with its expert sommelier team to find wines that perfectly align with their tastes and the seasonal dishes.
"Our wine program is a conversation between guests and our team, ensuring each selection perfectly complements the seasonal tasting menu", says Head Sommelier Andrew Adelson.
This personalized approach ensures that every bottle enhances the dining experience, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to both hospitality and wine mastery.
4. SingleThread, Healdsburg

In the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, SingleThread offers a unique blend of farm-to-table dining, expertly curated wines, and luxurious accommodations. This destination combines a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, a working farm, and a boutique inn, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates the essence of California's wine region.
Michelin Star Rating
SingleThread proudly holds a coveted three-Michelin-star rating, placing it among the world's most elite dining establishments. The restaurant retained this honor in 2024, with its intimate 52-seat dining room continuing to deliver what the Michelin Guide describes as "world-class and worth a special journey". Adding to its accolades, SingleThread also earned a three-key distinction from Michelin, a new award recognizing exceptional hotels.
Located on a sprawling 24-acre property, SingleThread grows 70% of its produce onsite without relying on municipal water and cultivates over 100 olive trees for its in-house olive oil.
"Here, in the bucolic loveliness at the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, sense of place combines exquisitely with the deeply personal vision of owners Chef Kyle Connaughton and head farmer Katina Connaughton", notes the MICHELIN Guide.
This commitment to excellence extends seamlessly into the restaurant’s thoughtfully curated wine program.
Depth and Diversity of the Wine List
SingleThread’s wine selection is nothing short of extraordinary. Often likened to "the size of a telephone book", the list is curated by Wine Director Chris McFall, who focuses on small-production wines and saké from around the globe. The collection highlights artisanal producers whose offerings align with SingleThread's farm-to-table philosophy, giving guests the chance to explore rare and distinctive bottles.
"SingleThread Wines is our online wine store operating out of our eponymously named 3-star Michelin Restaurant, Farm, and Inn located in the heart of Sonoma wine country. We carefully hand-pick a selection of small-production wine and saké from around the world to share with you", explains SingleThread Farms.
Sommelier Expertise and Credentials
The wine program is guided by Chris McFall, a 2012 "Best New Sommelier" honoree by Wine & Spirits Magazine. McFall previously developed wine programs at the two-Michelin-starred Lazy Bear in San Francisco. The team also includes seasoned professionals like Evan Hufford, who has worked at acclaimed establishments such as Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Saison, Michael Mina in San Francisco, and Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas.
"Our esteemed Wine Director Chris McFall curates the unique wine program and elevates our offerings through singular pairings throughout the year", states SingleThread Farms.
Wine-Pairing Options and Special Events
SingleThread offers a range of wine-pairing options, with prices spanning from $300 to $1,500, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. These pairings, crafted by the sommelier team, are designed to complement the restaurant’s seasonal, farm-inspired menu. For example, in 2017, Wine Spectator highlighted sommelier Evan Hufford’s pairings, which included selections like Badenhorst Chenin Blanc Secateurs Swartland 2015 from South Africa and Bernhard Ott Grüner Veltliner Stein Wagram 2013 from Austria. Other pairings featured Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut Rosé Anderson Valley 2006 with steelhead and Baxter Chardonnay Oppenlander Mendocino 2014 with black cod.
The sommelier team’s personalized approach ensures that every pairing enhances the flavors of the ingredients grown on the property, offering a wine experience that truly reflects the character of Sonoma County.
5. Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Tarrytown

Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown blends sustainable farming practices with exceptional dining and an extensive wine collection, embodying Chef Dan Barber's farm-to-table philosophy.
Michelin Star Rating
This two-Michelin-star restaurant, also a Michelin Green Star recipient, is deeply committed to sustainability. It sources ingredients from 64 local farms, secures 30% of its winter menu items in advance for preservation, and collaborates closely with area producers. The Michelin Guide highlights:
"The passion of Chef Dan Barber is at the core of everything here, where a meal is a true experience that uniquely knits together his vision of improving our foodways, the grit of utilizing the land to provide sustenance, and luxurious touches like crisped linens and fine crystal."
This dedication extends to an impressive wine program, offering a curated selection to complement its cuisine.
Depth and Diversity of the Wine List
The wine list at Blue Hill at Stone Barns boasts around 3,000 selections. It features standout options from France and California, including rare Madeiras dating back to 1901. Wine lovers will find verticals of first-growth Bordeaux, offerings from New York's Finger Lakes and Long Island, and iconic producers like Napa's Philip Togni, Piedmont's Giacomo Conterno, and Ribera del Duero's Dominio de Pingus.
The program also includes a variety of large-format bottles, an impressive collection of half bottles, and a range of options priced under $100. Recognized for its excellence, the wine program earned the Best Sparkling Wine List 2023 award. Master of Wine Heidi Mäkinen praised the selection:
"This list is hard to match as it takes sparkling wines very seriously. Despite the origin, the chosen producers and wines are great examples of their styles and the champagne list makes one dream."
Sommelier Expertise and Credentials
Hannah Williams, the Head Sommelier, leads the wine program with a focus on education and sustainability. She conducts bi-weekly study groups for staff pursuing certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Reflecting on her role, Williams shared:
"Pushing the quality of Beverage Education is essential to our program... Getting the opportunity to mentor others, teach about the world of wine, and see other people get inspired can be one of the most rewarding elements to the job. You never know where it can lead them."
The restaurant holds its sommelier team to high standards, requiring at least four years of fine dining experience and certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers or a similar organization.
Wine-Pairing Options and Special Events
Each table enjoys a customized wine-pairing experience, with sommeliers tailoring selections to complement the farm-fresh, seasonal dishes. These pairings are priced between $398 and $448 per guest, excluding tax and fees, delivering a personalized journey through the world of wine and cuisine.
6. Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford

On a picturesque hillside in Rutherford, Auberge du Soleil is a true Napa Valley icon. Known for its breathtaking vineyard views, exceptional cuisine, and a celebrated wine program, this destination has long been synonymous with fine dining and elegance.
Michelin Star Rating
Since 2007, Auberge du Soleil has consistently held one Michelin star, earning this accolade for an impressive 17 consecutive years. This enduring recognition places it among the most dependable fine dining establishments in the United States. Michelin inspectors have praised it as "one of the first restaurants to elevate the Napa Valley to greatness", with much of its success attributed to Executive Chef Robert Curry. His approach to "Californian cuisine" has been described as the cornerstone of the restaurant's lasting appeal. Words like "dazzling" and "stunning" from the Michelin Guide further underscore the restaurant's culinary and wine excellence. Despite the accolades, Chef Curry remains focused on the craft:
"I don't really keep track of that. I think it's about the cooking, so we don't talk about it in the kitchen or say, let's do this because Michelin would like it. We're just doing what we do, and it happens to coincide with what has made Michelin so kind to us over the years."
A Wine Cellar Like No Other
The restaurant boasts an extraordinary 15,000-bottle wine cellar, offering over 40 wines by the glass. The selection is thoughtfully categorized into Sparkling, White, Rosé, Red, and a "Limited Selection" featuring rare vintages. Guests can also enjoy unique wine events, such as the "Champagne Summer" promotion planned for July 2025. This event includes complimentary afternoon tastings, Champagne cocktails, and an extensive by-the-glass menu at The Bar.
Expertise in Every Pour
Auberge du Soleil’s sommeliers are true experts, guiding guests through the rich variety of Northern California wines with personalized tastings. They simplify the art of wine tasting and help diners uncover their preferences. Beyond the sommeliers, the restaurant’s seasoned staff adds to the experience. For instance, David Crouch, a server with 17 years of experience, once recommended a 2022 Bandol Château de Pibarnon rosé to a guest seeking a Provence-style wine, perfectly matching their taste.
Perfect Pairings and Memorable Events
The sommeliers are masters of pairing wines with Chef Curry’s Californian dishes, introducing diners to lesser-known gems from Napa and Sonoma. This seamless blend of wine expertise and culinary artistry ensures every meal is an unforgettable journey. Special events and pairings further elevate the dining experience, making Auberge du Soleil a must-visit for wine and food enthusiasts alike.
7. Kenzo, Napa

Kenzo offers a sophisticated Japanese dining experience deeply rooted in the kaiseki tradition. Owned by Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto of Kenzo Estate, this intimate restaurant blends the art of Japanese cuisine with an impeccable wine program, creating a dining journey that feels both personal and luxurious.
Michelin Star Rating
Kenzo proudly holds one Michelin star, an accolade that highlights its "high-quality cooking worth a stop". The Michelin Guide describes the kaiseki experience at Kenzo as "meticulously composed" and "perfectly paced". The dining room itself, with its sleek and minimalist design, serves as the perfect backdrop for the culinary artistry. As Fran Endicott Miller from Walnut Creek Magazine puts it:
"Kenzo Napa's dining room is pristine and sleek - the better for guests to focus on the Michelin-star quality food and service."
This serene atmosphere enhances the overall experience, drawing attention to the intricate details of both the food and the service.
Depth and Diversity of the Wine List
Kenzo’s connection to Kenzo Estate sets it apart for wine enthusiasts. The restaurant features the entire Kenzo Estate wine collection, showcasing vintages from a 3,800-acre property, of which 150 acres are dedicated to vineyards. To complement its seasonal kaiseki menu, Kenzo also sources select ingredients from Tokyo's renowned Tsukiji Market, seamlessly merging Japanese culinary traditions with Napa Valley’s rich wine culture.
Wine-Pairing Options and Special Events
Each kaiseki course at Kenzo is thoughtfully paired with wines and sakes, including exclusive selections from the Kenzo Estate collection. Guests can savor wines that are also served at celebrated establishments like Atelier Crenn, SingleThread Farms Restaurant, and The French Laundry. The seasonal six-course prix fixe menu is best enjoyed at the counter, where diners can interact with the chefs and watch the meticulous preparation unfold. This intimate setting not only highlights the artistry of the cuisine but also elevates the wine-pairing experience to something truly memorable.
8. La Toque, Napa

La Toque stands as a shining example of how exceptional cuisine and fine wine can come together in perfect harmony. This renowned restaurant has earned a reputation for delivering what many consider the ultimate food and wine pairing experience. With its intimate dining atmosphere, celebrated wine program, and a team of experts, La Toque continually draws wine enthusiasts from around the globe. Let’s take a closer look at its accolades, extensive wine collection, and unique approach to pairing.
Michelin Star Recognition
La Toque has consistently been awarded a Michelin Star, solidifying its position as a standout in Wine Country. Adding to its acclaim, the restaurant has also received Wine Spectator's Grand Award, an honor bestowed on only 93 establishments worldwide. This dual recognition places La Toque among an elite group of dining destinations where exceptional food and wine experiences are the norm.
A Wine List Like No Other
La Toque’s wine program is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring over 2,300 carefully curated selections. The restaurant proudly describes its collection as one of unrivaled depth and variety:
"The extraordinary breadth and depth of our selections are matched only by our beverage team's skill at guiding guests to their ideal bottle."
Notable offerings include the 1970 Gaja Barbaresco and the 1999 Cobb Coastlands Pinot Noir, personal favorites of wine director Mike Lee. The program’s excellence has also been recognized with a White Star rating from Star Wine List, further cementing its status as a top-tier destination for wine lovers.
Expertise Behind Every Pour
La Toque’s sommelier team brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Richard Matuszczak, the restaurant’s wine director, successfully passed the Court of Master Sommelier's Advanced Exam in 2012, a testament to his deep knowledge and refined palate. Matuszczak shares his philosophy on wine:
"When I taste a wine, it must resonate beyond merely being a good food complement. Something else has to resonate. It has to be telling me something."
To enhance the guest experience, the team uses an iPad wine list featuring 2,100 selections, making it easier for diners to explore the extensive collection while learning about unique pairings and wine characteristics.
The Art of Pairing and Daily Refinement
At La Toque, wine pairing is more than just a feature - it’s a passion and an art form. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple yet profound:
"Pairing wine and food is our passion. The pairings on our menus are considered by many to be the ultimate food and wine experience. Our culinary team and Sommeliers taste together daily, constantly exploring, looking for combinations that elevate both the food and wine, creating harmony."
This daily collaboration between the chefs and sommeliers ensures that every pairing is meticulously crafted and continually refined. It’s this dedication that has earned La Toque the reputation for offering the "best food and wine pairing experience in Napa Valley".
9. Harbor House, Elk

Along the dramatic Mendocino Coast, Harbor House offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends fine cuisine with a deep respect for the environment. Known for its Michelin-starred status and a wine program that rivals the best in the world, this secluded restaurant is a haven for food and wine enthusiasts alike.
Michelin Star Rating
Harbor House proudly holds Two Michelin Stars, an honor that signifies "excellent cooking". Adding to its accolades, it has also been awarded a Michelin Green Star, a testament to its dedication to sustainable practices. The Michelin Guide praises Chef Matthew Kammerer’s innovative approach, which revolves around the use of hyper-local, foraged ingredients and flawless culinary techniques. Kammerer describes the philosophy behind Harbor House:
"The mindset and culture of Harbor House resides in a place where we constantly are evolving and improving our sustainability efforts. A daily changing menu and creative ways to preserve ingredients play a major role in our cuisine. With a remote natural setting, our daily choices of non-food related practices play just as big of a role in our culture as the edible ones do."
A Wine Program That Stands Out
Harbor House’s wine program is as thoughtful and innovative as its cuisine. With 1,700 individual selections and an inventory of 7,000 bottles, the restaurant offers a diverse and carefully curated collection. By November 2021, the program expanded to feature 750 labels. Staying true to its coastal and sustainable ethos, the wine list emphasizes small producers who prioritize organic farming and quality practices in both vineyard and cellar. This philosophy is perfectly captured on the restaurant’s website:
"The wine program spotlights small producers, most of whom farm organically and/or have very high quality practices in the vineyard and the cellar. We've chosen to highlight wines that present the perception of minerality, salinity and elegance, or wines that pair with these flavors."
The wine cellar leans heavily on French and California selections, chosen to complement the restaurant’s unique use of local ingredients like ocean-harvested kelp and salt.
Sommelier Expertise
The wine program is brought to life by an exceptional sommelier team, led by Corrina Straus. Straus, whose résumé includes time at renowned establishments like La Folie in San Francisco and the Michelin three-starred Manresa in Los Gatos, joined Harbor House in June 2018. Her expertise and refined palate have elevated the wine offerings, creating pairings that perfectly align with Chef Kammerer’s focus on sustainable, locally sourced flavors.
Together, Kammerer’s culinary innovation and Straus’s wine mastery capture the essence of coastal California dining.
Providence, Los Angeles

A cornerstone of modern fine dining in Los Angeles, Providence is Chef Michael Cimarusti’s acclaimed temple to sustainable seafood, nestled along Melrose Avenue. With over a decade of two Michelin stars to its name, Providence continues to redefine West Coast luxury dining through seasonal tasting menus that showcase the bounty of the Pacific with elegance, restraint, and deep technical precision. From wild-caught Santa Barbara spot prawns to aged wild salmon, each dish reflects an ethos of environmental stewardship and culinary excellence.
Michelin Guide Recognition
Providence has been a mainstay in the California Michelin Guide since the state’s guides were relaunched, earning two Michelin stars in every edition since 2019, and most recently earning three Michelin stars in 2025. The Guide praises the restaurant for its “intelligent, ingredient-driven cuisine” and the thoughtful evolution of its tasting menus under Chef Cimarusti’s leadership. Signature offerings like the uni egg with champagne beurre blanc and truffle-laced lobster risotto continue to impress both regulars and first-time diners alike, blending classic French technique with California’s freshest coastal ingredients.
A Reverent Wine Experience
Led by Beverage Director Drew Langley, Providence’s wine program is a study in elegance and depth. The cellar features over 2,500 selections, with particular strength in Burgundy, Champagne, and California cult labels, reflecting the restaurant’s seafood-driven menu. Guests can opt for wine pairings that accompany the tasting menus, or select by the bottle from a list that has earned accolades from Wine Spectator and Star Wine List alike. Corkage is $50 per bottle, with a two-bottle limit.
Elevated Pairings and Experiences
Dining at Providence is immersive and intentional, with expertly guided wine pairings and a front-of-house team known for its warm professionalism. The restaurant regularly hosts wine dinners and special events with producers from France and California, offering guests a deeper look into the philosophy behind each pour. With its seamless service, refined dishes, and commitment to sustainability, Providence remains one of the most sophisticated and respected restaurants in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
These ten Michelin-rated restaurants exemplify some of the best of American fine dining for wine enthusiasts, where culinary brilliance meets expert wine pairing to create unforgettable experiences.
The sommeliers at these establishments bring a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for their craft, elevating each meal into a journey of discovery. As the MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team aptly puts it:
"Whatever the head wine honcho calls him or herself – sommelier, wine waiter, Susan – and whether they have a tastevin around their neck or a scarf, their knowledge and ability, passion and empathy can enhance any dining experience."
Each restaurant’s wine program is a reflection of its unique setting, thoughtfully designed to highlight both world-renowned labels and hidden gems. Whether nestled in Napa Valley or located in the heart of New York City, these establishments carefully curate their wine selections to complement their menus, ensuring that every pairing enhances the flavors on the plate.
From California’s breathtaking wine country to the sophisticated urban charm of New York, these destinations offer wine lovers a chance to explore regional terroirs alongside exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re savoring a vertical tasting, attending a winemaker dinner, or simply following a sommelier’s expert guidance, every visit transforms dining into something extraordinary.
For wine enthusiasts mapping out a culinary adventure across the U.S., these Michelin-
starred restaurants deliver more than just meals - they offer an unparalleled fusion of food and wine, crafted by true masters. Be sure to plan ahead, as each experience promises to leave a lasting impression.
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